Newly acquired 1943 Colt

This is a discussion on Newly acquired 1943 Colt within the General Firearm Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; Just made a deal on this 1943 Colt with a local resident. All numbers matching throughout the pistol and seems to be in working order. ...

The sight picture is completely different than any other 1911 I've ever shot. The bottom of the front sight has to be in line with the top of the rear and the target covered by the front (at distances ranging from 10-20 yards). Trigger is very heavy and gritty, even after a thorough cleaning. There were no stoppages or malfunctions of any kind during the range session. I was shooting several different guns and didn't bother counting the rounds fired through any of them. I have no idea how many went through her. Brass was flying straight up and back, with most just going straight up a few feet and landing on my head or just behind me. Makes sense with the ejection port cut the way it is. None of the brass came straight back to my face or forehead.

That is a gem. You can have a qualified gun-smith gently stone your hammer notch and sear face to sweeten up the gritty trigger without affecting the value.

It was GOOD that you replaced the recoil spring before shooting it - SAVE the original one. Don't toss it out.

Don't shoot any +P or +P+ in it but, shoot all of the good old standard MIL BALL in it that you want to.

DO NOT clean it up or polish anything or have it refinished.

You will cut its value in half if you do that.

There are some condition issues there where somebody messed up the original patina.

It looks especially bad on the frame. I can tell you how to repair those specific areas without messing up the value of your pistol.

PM me if you're interested and I can tell you what exact product to buy and how to apply it.

Your original leather you should leave alone unless it is brittle or cracking. Do not ever oil it.

The only thing you should consider is a very light application of Renaissance Wax with a light buff with a cotton cloth.

All of the museums worldwide protect their antique leather with Renaissance Wax and a light application of that is acceptable since it will prevent further drying out of the leather and it is easily and completely reversible.